Akihiko finished explaining the case.
The officers, teachers, and students reconstructed the crime in their minds.
They saw a crime fueled by Ms. Kato's jealous love.
Mahime Kawakami's confession to Akihiko had triggered Kato-sensei's bloodlust.
Using her knowledge of Akihiko's habits, she staged the scene to implicate Mahime and him leaving together.
Every step in her deadly ruse fit like clockwork.
Officer Megure waved a hand, voice firm.
"Tou-kun's deductions are more compelling than Detective Kudo's."
His team moved to place Ms. Kato and Maeshima-sensei under custody.
Kato-sensei would stand trial for murder.
Maeshima-sensei's scandal would cost him his license.
Megure addressed Kato-sensei directly.
"Is there anything more you wish to say?"
Shaken, Kato-sensei's voice trembled.
"My actions were a moment's weakness—I confess."
"I'm ashamed as an educator."
Drawing a deep breath, she faced Akihiko.
"To you, Akihiko Tou, I am sorry."
A murmur spread through the crowd.
Akihiko's reply was measured.
"Apologies must reach Mahime Kawakami and her family."
His words carried weight.
Kato-sensei's gaze fell on Mahime's still form.
Tears welled, but she said nothing further.
Suddenly, Mahime's mother lunged forward, sobs ripping free.
"You took my daughter—must you pay with your life?"
Her anguished cry pierced the air.
Behind her, Mr. Kawakami could only cradle his wife.
No one wished to endure such grief.
Under the quiet bridge, heartbreak reigned.
Teachers and students struggled to stifle tears.
They thought of their own loved ones.
Regret blooms only in absence.
Akihiko bowed his head, empathy heavy.
He'd borne witness to too many shattered families.
Minutes later, the Kawakamis collapsed into fainting.
Kato-sensei and Maeshima-sensei were led away by officers.
Officer Megure turned to Akihiko, respect in his eyes.
"Thank you, Akihiko Tou, for your help."
Akihiko shook his head gently.
"I sought justice—for Mahime and myself."
A student's voice rang out.
"Without Akihiko-san, this case would have collapsed."
Another joined in.
"He restored Mahime's dignity."
Applause rippled like waves.
Even Shinichi Kudo found himself clapping.
It was his first loss in a detective duel.
The thrill of defeat was bitter-sweet.
Shinichi's eyes met Akihiko's—reluctant admiration glimmered.
Akihiko's forensic clarity had cut straight to truth.
Behind him stood the might of forensic science—Shinichi's blind spot.
He could fly planes and ships, but not dissect a corpse.
Forensic mastery demands years of hands-on study.
No two books could substitute for practice.
Otherwise, every doctor would be a pathologist.
Could Shinichi rival this next time?
Without fieldwork, no.
Akihiko honed his skill through eight years of rigorous training.
The applause dwindled to a warm hush.
Shinichi stepped forward, voice earnest.
"I apologize, Akihiko Tou, for doubting you."
He bowed deeply—an act of humility.
Akihiko offered a hand.
"No apologies needed, Detective Kudo."
Shinichi straightened, then called out.
"Who has pen and paper?"
Sonoko Suzuki's hand shot up.
"Me!" she chirped.
"Thank you," he said, taking her notebook.
He scribbled swiftly, then paused.
"Akihiko, what's this?" Shinichi peered at the note.
Akihiko's smile was wry.
"If apologies held weight, lawyers would be obsolete."
Shinichi stared as Akihiko produced a sealed letter.
"My lawyer will contact you soon—with copies for the police."
Silence fell upon the bridge.
Shinichi and Megure looked on, confounded.
Akihiko's final gambit: a lawsuit.
Reality bent beneath his relentless logic.
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